The Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions is a prestigious accolade bestowed upon individuals who exhibit exceptional leadership and contribute significantly to preserving and conserving the Arctic and Antarctic. Named after the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, renowned for his indomitable spirit during Antarctic expeditions in the early 20th century, the award recognizes the outstanding efforts of modern-day polar advocates.
Recipients of the Shackleton Medal are champions of environmental stewardship, dedicating themselves to understanding, safeguarding, and raising awareness about the polar regions’ unique environmental, ecological, and cultural importance. Through scientific research, advocacy, policy development, community engagement, and other initiatives, they combat pressing threats such as climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable resource exploitation.
Presented by esteemed organizations like the Royal Geographical Society chaired by Sunday Times bestselling author Lewis Dartnell, the Shackleton Medal’s past laureates include distinguished figures such as scientific researcher and climate activist Dr. HeÏdi Sevestre in 2022 and explorer-conservationist Pen Hadow in 2023.
We are thrilled and deeply honored to announce that Andreas B. Heide has been shortlisted for the 2024 Shackleton Medal, standing among an esteemed group of nominees. This nomination underscores Andreas’s unwavering commitment to polar conservation and serves as a testament to the impact of our collective efforts. It humbles us to be considered alongside such remarkable individuals and reaffirms the importance of our mission in safeguarding the planet’s polar regions.
The international shortlist, comprising five women and three men, reflects the diversity and breadth of expertise in polar conservation. From Antarctic explorers to indigenous leaders and marine biologists, each nominee brings a unique perspective and invaluable contributions to the cause:
- Antarctic explorer and climate scientist Felicity Aston (British)
- The Founding Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative in Canada – an influential network that connects indigenous conservation projects – Valérie Courtois (Canadian)
- Sailor, adventurer, and marine biologist Andreas Heide (Norwegian)
- Musician, film actor, and prominent environmental campaigner Ella Marie Haetta Isaksen (Sámi)
- Polar photographer Florian Ledoux (French)
- Professor of ecology and evolution, specializing in penguin populations Heather Lynch (American)
- Head of Conservation for the WWF Global Arctic Programme Martin Sommerkorn (German)
- Glaciologist and expert in bio-optics Ximena Aguilar Vega (Mexican)
The winner of the 2024 Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions will be announced in early May, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to celebrate the tireless dedication and remarkable achievements of all nominees. But, of course, we’re rooting for Andreas to bring home the prize! 🏆
